Okahirongo Elephant Loge, one of Namibia's more remote destinations, is located in the Kunene Region, 55km from the coast. Okahirongo and can only be reached in a 4x4 vehicle or on a 2hr15min flight from Windhoek. With the stark desert landscape spreading out for miles and not a person in sight, this is the one place in the world where you feel truly alone.
Okahirongo Elephant Lodge is the only place in the world where elephants, black rhinos, giraffes and lions live in a desert environment. The desert lions often prey on local communities livestock which has led to the shooting or poisoning of these magnificent animals. Okahirongo Elephant Lodge has therefore started a Lion conservation project, where guests at the lodge can join in learn more about this unique species.
The Okahirongo Elephant lodge consists of 7 luxurious en suite chalets as well as a suite with two rooms and combined living area, all overlooking spectacular views. The cottages are decorated in a rich and sensuous fusion of ochre, honey and sand colors, whilst each one has its own unique style and atmosphere; ethnic and locally carved furnishing adds to the romance and excitement of the pervading African ambience.
Take the time to be lost in the stunning wrap around views, laze around the pool, read a book from the comfortable library, or merely relax in one of the two open-air lounges. The food at the Okahirongo Elephant Lodge is meticulously prepared from fresh ingredients grown in the lodges� own garden. Meals are enjoyed under the starry Namibian skies or by candlelight in one of the two dining rooms
Safari activities at the lodge include tracking the desert adapted elephants, twice daily game and scenic drives in open 4x4 vehicles, night drives, morning desert walks and cultural visits to the local Himba village.
The Himba are an ethnic group of about 12,000 people, living in northern Namibia, in the Kunene region. They are a nomadic, pastoral people, closely related to the Herero, and speak the same language. Because of the harsh desert climate in the region where they live, the Himba were relatively secluded from outside influences and manage to maintain much of their traditional lifestyle. A visit to their village is a rate and exciting part of a visit to the Kunene region and Okahirongo Elephant Lodge.
Lise's thoughts on Okahirongo Lodge: I was amazed that for an entire hour of our flight to Okahirongo Elephant Lodge we didn't see a village or a road. It is unbelievably remote. The lodge is beautiful and the landscape incredibly stark, but it was the visit to the Himba village that struck me. It is a fantastic feeling visiting with, and trying to communicate with, people who never see anyone outside their small community. This is a must visit destination for anyone who wants the real, gloves off, Namibia.
